Heritage Tourism Gets Boost From Major Investment

July 11, 2016

Funding of $33.5 million through the Alberta Jobs Plan will be used to build the Indigenous Peoples’ Experience and three other key initiatives at Fort Edmonton. The Johnny J. Jones Midway will be expanded, as will the Hotel Selkirk. A new guest services and admissions area will be added.

“Long before Alberta became a province, Fort Edmonton played a pivotal role as an economic hub and gathering place for traders and this province’s First Peoples and Métis. With this investment through the Alberta Jobs Program, an important chapter in our history will be shared and the economic impact of this historic site will continue to grow into the future with new employment and business opportunities.”
Rachel Notley, Premier

“Budget 2016 and the Alberta Jobs Plan puts a priority on creating jobs and diversifying our Alberta economy. Expanding opportunities for heritage tourism will provide the kind of long-term, sustainable economic growth that we need to ensure good jobs and the stable, resilient economy Albertans want.”
Ricardo Miranda, Minister of Culture and Tourism

An economic impact study conducted by Econometrics Research Limited details how expansion of Fort Edmonton Park will generate both immediate and long-term benefit.

An estimated 455 full-time jobs will be created during construction, with 57 permanent full-time park-related jobs following completion.

Annual summer attendance at the park is expected to increase by 76,000 to 245,000 by 2021, with additional increases through signature events and educational programs held throughout the year.

Expansion of the park will increase annual economic activity by an estimated $7.3 million locally and $23.3 million provincially.

“This contribution will ensure the Fort Edmonton Management Company can continue moving forward as per the vision set out in the 2010 Master Plan. The park's reputation will be enhanced as a world-class, historical living history experience showcasing the rich and dynamic story of Edmonton and surrounding region.”
Bill Demchuk, Fort Edmonton Management Company Executive Director

The addition of the Indigenous Peoples’ Experience will enable Fort Edmonton to offer recreational and educational programming year-round, further enhancing the appeal of the park as a travel destination.
Situated on 64 hectares in Edmonton’s scenic river valley, Fort Edmonton offers visitors a unique opportunity to journey through Alberta history. Opened in 1974, the park has grown to include more than 80 historical buildings depicting four distinct eras of the Edmonton history.

In 2015, the park welcomed 170,000 summer visitors, including school groups and travellers from around the world.

In 2013, tourism in Alberta generated $8 billion in visitor spending and supported more than 127,000 jobs.

This area is reserved for members of the news media. If you qualify, please update your user profile and check the box marked "Check here to register as an accredited member of the news media". Please include any notes in the "Supporting information for media credentials" box. We will notify you of your status via e-mail in one business day.